Regarding Judging Others

3.  Oh, How We Give Ourselves Away

Sadly, very sadly, most of us don’t handle criticism well, and thus
We responding very badly to such, and even worse, some who know Jesus.
And all of which reveals pride and self, the truth of our condition, given we
Should humbly reflect on that criticism, lest elements of truth there be.

Sure where criticism’s due, people should mind the words they choose, and manner too,
But poor approaches are no excuse for firing back, and how one wrong becomes two.
Maturity’s measured by our response to criticism, but who are we
To think we’ve no flaws, and are never at fault, ’cause that’s hardly reality.

For our own sake we should value criticism, such helping us see and grow,
And thus we only brushing off the non-constructive, ignoring some low blow.
Yes, our response to criticism really matters, both for us and for them,
’Cause we grow together and not alone, and there are things that one should condemn.

Oh, how we give ourselves away, criticizing criticism just as badly,
We angry over what they said, or how it was said, so it’s “Take this!” sadly.
Yes, even when what’s said is right and due, we far too caught up in ourselves, and
Doing our own share of criticising others, and thereby, more guilty stand.

By Lance Landall

4.  That Defence Mode

Can’t take criticism? Well, you’ve got a problem, a big one,
'Cause how can there be any growth where criticism we shun?
The truth is, all need to be challenged, 'cause that’s the only way
We can learn of our faults and errors, at the end of the day.

When we can’t take such, it’s due to one of two things, quite clearly,
We’ve either got issues, or we simply aren’t humble, sadly.
Yes, either we’re reacting to something that’s in our past, or,
We’ve an ego problem — in other words, pride is at the core.

Perhaps when we were young, we were often criticized, sadly,
And now, find such hard to accept, even when it’s done rightly.
You see, criticism isn’t bad if it’s constructive, and
Where spoken in love, 'cause such is needed, we must understand.

Yes, we need others who can provide some objectivity,
Which, friend, is something that most of us lack, unfortunately.
We too caught up in ourselves, too close to the scene, usually,
Unable or unwilling to see those things it’s best we see.

All why we should embrace criticism if it’s fair,
And by that I mean, where warranted, where worthy of the ear.
Yes, we should welcome another’s assessment, appraisal, and
Not see it as a brick-bat, but rather, as a helping hand.

We need to get past that silly, “Don’t judge me,” mentality,
And to stop excusing our faults and errors so childishly.
Sometimes we need a rebuke, a flea in our ear, a wake up,
Or a good wrench from our “poor ole me” self-pity drinking cup.

Criticism that comes from a critical spirit isn’t good,
And as for self-righteous judging — well, tell me, friend, what fool would?
But rightful assessing, alias critiquing, has its place,
So let’s not get things twisted, but rather, reality face.

By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked throughout on 20 November 2022.

5.  More Than Half Awake

It’s funny how people will say that we shouldn’t judge anyone, and yet do
Come strangers asking for money, their eyes searching those strangers for any clue.
Yes, something that says they’re genuine or not, and thus judge that person they do,
And not without good reason, but there shouts hypocrisy, ’cause oft we have to.

Yes, there are beggars and there are beggars, if you get what I mean, some con men,
Thus where we don’t exercise due prudence, we can get fleeced again and again.
And thereby aiding the rise of such rascals, and why sound choices we must make,
Carefully weighing things up, making that judgment call, we more than half awake.

By Lance Landall

6.  There're Beggers And There're Beggers

It’s one thing to help people out who are in need, and so we all should, but hey,
Compassion should be tied to sense, ’cause users and abusers can come our way.
They not so much in need but feeding an addiction, or simply on the make,
And hence why it doesn’t always pay to give what some people are quick to take.

Yes, there are genuine beggars, those who are in fact in need, but still take care,
Because addicts, bludgers and those with fanciful stories are everywhere.
“But addicts do need help,” you say, and true that is, but specialized help, and so,
We pointing them to, or guiding them to, that person or place they need to go.

Otherwise, we’re only aiding their addiction, paying for their booze, and so,
We compassionate but prudent, helping but not aiding, minding how we go.
Because some who’re given money just keep coming back for more, expecting like,
And why to some we say, “Sure,” and to others, a firm or subtle, “On yer Bike.”

By Lance Landall

7.  Pawns Of Hearsay And Faulty Assumptions

Tell me, why do you have that very negative opinion of someone, who
As a result, you’re having little to do with, and which might say much of you?
Is it because of what others have told you? Such a sure way to err, of course,
Many not attempting to rightly find out from the mouth of the condemned horse.

Too many responses are based on hearsay, or how something appears to be,
And thus so much not taken into account, very hypocritically,
Because who of us would like to stand before a judge who’s without all the facts,
And who’s clutching evidence that’s been played with, and which just the accuser backs.

Accusers are many, some with an agenda, some lacking maturity,
Nursing petty grievances, perhaps, then there’s bias, not wanting to see.
So many too quick to down someone, pass on gossip, put their own spin on things,
Which somewhere in life (’cause what goes ’round comes ’round) a curse on themselves simply brings.

Too many listening to teary-eyed talebearers who’re oft not seeing straight,
The condemned one having done the right thing under the circumstances, but wait!
Yes, there’s always more, but they the victim, seemingly, the one they speak of doomed,
And unable to present their side given how they’re effectively marooned.

Oh, how I hate that dirty laundry which never gets washed, but certainly aired,
Family members bagging family members, say — yes, everything bared.
Much explained away, but no, out on the airwaves it goes, many tuning in
(Instead of switching off), acting like judge and jury, and adding to the sin.

There’re reasons why folk do or don’t do something, and they need to be understood,
Not rushed to judgment over; many only too happy to hang if they could.
Some folk have issues, and help’s needed, but help’s oft not there, just condemnation,
All because others don’t have a full understanding of the situation.

Folk commonly operate on different levels (religious beliefs in mind),
And thus what one condemns another praises (though many on error have dined).
But understanding only coming when folk bother, reach out, and check to see,
The horses mouth oft left waiting, truth lost to hearsay, and what folk fail to see.

By Lance Landall

8.  Runaway Tongues

Did you hear about Maud? You didn’t? Well, let me fill you in,
She was caught-out shoplifting with that low-down girl called Lynn.
I really wasn’t surprised, I’ve always wondered about her,
And this I’ve often mentioned, not that I’m the type to stir.

Hey, did you hear about Bob — you know, Bob as in bobby,
The one who joined the police, the one we all thought snobby?
You didn’t? It’s quite a story, not that I like telling tales,
But they say that he prefers just the company of males.

Did you hear about Keith? No? Well, just between you and I,
I heard that he assaulted an innocent passer-by.
Not that I would have thought it, for I like to think the best,
But from what I understand, it appears that he confessed.

Did you hear about Tony? No? Wow! Seems you don’t hear much,
They say he was faking it, hobbling around on a crutch.
Just ripping off the system, pretending his leg was crook,
Until someone caught him out, when surveillance they undertook.

Oh, did you hear about Joan? You didn’t? Well, I’m not surprised,
They tried to keep it quite, hoped she wasn’t recognized.
But someone saw the photo, and placed it where some could see;
Very few know about it, and nor would you, if it weren’t for me.

Did you hear about Stella? No? I thought everyone knew,
It was most unexpected, not something folk thought she’d do.
She eloped with her boyfriend in the middle of the night,
But there you go, you never know, ’though I guessed that she might.

And did you hear about Martha? You didn’t? Well, it’s like this,
She just loves to wag her tongue — and her ears, nothing will miss.
She’s one to keep away from, someone that you just can’t trust,
And before I forget — remember, don’t pass on what we’ve discussed.

By Lance Landall

9.  Destructive Tongues

Okay, so you’ve heard this about me, or you’ve heard that about me,
Well, isn’t that interesting, though incorrect, predictably.
Now, if you had sought me out — yes, if you had sought to check with me,
You would have very soon discovered that what you heard was faulty.

Although I shouldn’t worry about what any may say of me,
It’s sad if they say wrong things, and you become an accessory,
'Cause you are aiding and abetting what you just assume is true
Which is foolish to say the least, and something that you could well rue.

It could be that it is partly true, half true, even almost true,
But it’s that part that isn’t true that a great deal of harm could do.
Hence why it’s always better to check with the one who it’s about,
Or to simply just not repeat such, and err on the side of doubt.

Yes, so many good reputations are ruined because of such talk,
Talk that is pure and simple gossip, which away from, all should walk,
'Cause often someone’s turn-around is torpedoed right in its tracks,
Simply because of a false rumour or distorting of the facts.

“I heard it on the grapevine,” are some words from a song I have heard,
And oh, how true it proves to be, along with, what is overheard.
Yes, it’s time that this old grapevine was taken to with secateurs,
Or even better still, uprooted, ’midst loud claps and hearty cheers.

“Don’t speak ill of the dead,” you hear folk say, yet, the living attack,
Via their poisonous gossiping behind somebody else’s back.
While we all should respect the dead, let us respect the living too,
And stop this dreadful gossiping, lest we slander or good undo.

It’s high time that the old rumour-mill was stopped from grinding away,
Besides, it’s better that we approach those of whom such things they say.
Yes, best we ignore or check it out, get it from the horse’s mouth,
'Cause then we'll undoubtedly stop the truth from disappearing south.

By Lance Landall

10.  Careful, Please

We need to evaluate many things in life, and hence those judgment calls that we make each day;
However, when it comes to others, we need to be very careful lest from fairness we stray.
And hence why judging by appearances, scant or limited information, is fraught with ill,
For things aren’t always as they seem, and missing facts oft lead to wrong assessments, some upset yell.

And don’t forget that not all we’re told is correct, gossip a known distorter-cum-saboteur,
Hence how the likes of wrongly informed or mistaken acquaintances, friends or neighbours can err.
And why we all should be dealing in facts-cum-what we know is so, and not just assuming so,
For where is the fairness in the latter? All why relationships oft shatter-cum-west soon go.

Yes, best we get to know folk better, inquire from the horse’s mouth, and mind what other folk say,
And also what we think, lest our thoughts turn to evil surmisings, and we, something badly weigh.
For so many are thought of in ways that are neither fair nor nice, a burden they have to bear,
Though sometimes they not knowing, and thus unable to defend themselves-cum-their tainted name clear.

Too may people are misunderstood, other folk giving the low-down according to them,
Their coloured picture acting like an ink stain, and some seemingly relishing who they condemn.
Hence why others miss out on things, are excluded from some circle, treated indifferently,
All of which says more about those who’re judging wrongly, or just going by gossip, foolishly.

By Lance Landall





Something worth thinking about all the same:

11.  A Sneaky Little Truth

It’s really none of our business what people think of us, or even say behind our back to their own friends —
Well, in general, that is — something most of us are guilty of, and who of us serious harm intends?
After all, someone may ask us what we think of so and so, and with very good reason, I have to say,
And why when it comes to what folk think of us, or say about us, we should allow them a little leeway,

As we would desire for ourselves — but yes, we should be careful and fair when it comes to anything we say,
'Cause how would we feel should somebody say things about us that would see truth packing its bags for faraway.
But as I said, what they say or we say is nobody's business but our own, unless such is libellous;
In other words, something terribly serious as opposed to general gossip-cum-busybodyness.

At the end of the day, people will think what they will of us, regardless of whether it be wrong or right,
And why it’s our character that’s important, not our reputation, 'cause oft the latter is kissed goodnight.
There’s little we can do about it, and it’s not worth losing sleep over, 'cause there will always be someone
Who, bless their little cotton socks (I don’t think), will say something that’s unfair or untrue, kind of hit-and-run.

Nobody likes bad press, but unless we leave this planet for another, such will always surface somewhere,
'Cause no matter how squeaky-clean we are (like who, for instance?), somebody will find something juicy to share.
Hence why it’s best to just accept this sneaky little truth that it’s really none of our business what folk say,
Nor their business regarding what we say, and who would have it any other way, at the end of the day?

By Lance Landall

12.  Grace And Maturity Should Be Wed

“You said we shouldn’t hurt anyone, and yet you hurt me,” someone says to you,
As if your statement no longer stands, and as if expecting perfection, too.
The truth is, that despite saying something that’s right, we might still act contrary,
Thus letting ourselves down, but not that it was ever meant intentionally.

In other words, it not how you’d normally act, but you struggled with this one,
A situation with conflicting issues, and sadly, some damage was done.
And now you’re seen as a hypocrite, they mocking your words, shaking their head,
Though those words being true, sound and meant, all why grace and maturity should be wed.

By Lance Landall

13.  Such Isn't Always Gossip

There are those who accuse you of gossip the moment you talk about someone behind their back,
But is such always gossip (or as some say, an underhand or malicious verbal attack)?
Well, here I’d like to argue that such isn’t always gossip (though spoken behind someone’s back),
But rather, an unpleasant necessity, and thus not thoughtless idle words, nor some cruel attack.

You see, the truth is, that there’re times when it’s prudent and needful to ask questions about someone,
And given that the horse’s mouth doesn’t always tell the truth, and why to others, folk oft run,
Particularly where important matters are concerned, or where one suspects skulduggery,
And surely we’ve all heard about discretion, things it’s better folk don’t know, we shielding thoughtfully.

So what’s actually gossip then? Well, such is when people simply enjoy blabbing idly,
They thus sharing what they don’t need to, but want to, or they asking questions that are plain nosy.
Or they tuning into what others shouldn’t convey about someone, their ears all too ready,
And they then passing that unnecessary information along — such rumours, frequently.

Yes, something that’s oft not true, or that’s only half so, certain facts missing, added or altered;
In other words, pointless, thoughtless, unkind, harmful-cum-evil comments that should’ve been halted.
Not something said or asked that had validity, a sound reason behind it, and hence okay,
For there’s certainly a time and place, and such not gossip, but oft the avoidance of foul play.

Therefore, when we talk about someone behind their back, such isn’t always gossip, and nor wrong,
Despite us quickly shelving some discreet conversation when that very person comes along.
And such sometimes even displaying a tender regard, or common sense where there’s real concern;
Such chats oft being the only way that necessary things we learn; though what we don’t know can burn.

Yes, our talking behind someone’s back oft being for their benefit, not just our own benefit,
The latter made more necessary when certain things someone says don’t gel, and uneasy sit.
And why people need to be careful what they label gossip, lest they accuse someone falsely
Whose intentions are worthy, and they weighing wisely what they sought out of some necessity.

By Lance Landall


Let's not forget that when folk gossip, they may well be speaking good of us, not bad,
over which I'm sure we wouldn't complain.

14.  When Will The Silliness Stop?

Come that Harry and Meghan tell-all on Oprah's show, and immediately
Many took their side of the story when the other side they didn’t know, dear me.
Now how’s that for intelligence? Such side taking but the bane of humanity,
And so often the one side heard being incorrect or self-servingly faulty.

And all why it wasn’t long before holes in their story were being reported,
But not before that very damaging tell-all interview being exported.
Thus first in, gaining the ground, gathering widespread support, unfairly,
No head to head, nor accusations being checked out first, and hence the travesty.

Oh, what a silly world that we live in, sense belonging to the past, seemingly,
Many saying, “Don’t judge me,” and yet, when it comes to others, they judging wildly,
And taking the only side that they hear as gospel, and even crying foul too,
Which is how people end up with egg all over their face, and more damage do.
.
By Lance Landall


This poem was penned on 15 March 2021.
See the poem below this one, and my other poem titled Hi Harry which can be seen on
my page Love Thought And Care, Home page, purple box.

15.  Where Ignorance Is Guilt

In my life I’ve been condemned for things that others didn’t know the reasons why,
Such looking wrong from their position of ignorance, and ask, they didn’t try.
Perhaps went by what others thought, or had wrongly been told, leaving me accused,
All how many in this world are stigmatised, wrongly mistreated and abused.

And should they ask why, is it their business anyway, but why should they think ill?
Thus condemning before knowing, or truly knowing, and why things don’t go well.
Someone’s spouse in someone else’s public embrace, an “Oh dear!” scenario,
When they’d just been informed of a bereavement, but you know how it’s seen to go.

Yes, there’s many variations on a theme, but ignorance having its say,
And wrongly so, or unfairly so, but where there’s a twisted will, there’s a way.
And thus many wrongly convicted, though faced with a conundrum, possibly,
Dammed if they do, dammed it they don’t, and why certain people have thought ill of me.

By Lance Landall





Christian content or degree.
This poem was penned on 6 March 2021.

17.  As We Judge, So We'll Be Judged

Come some marital break-up, or something like the Harry and Meghan affair,
People are soon seen taking sides, not judging by what they know but what they hear.
And thus they getting things right or wrong, but not having been involved in the scene,
Thus not knowing for sure, unlike God, who from Earth’s birth, everything has seen.

All why I’m glad that He’s been appointed to judge us, ’cause the whole truth He knows,
Unlike us who often don’t, and via our wrong judgment, adding to someone’s woes.
And it often none of our business, and best left to simply play out, but no,
We condemning or excusing, and thus how we too, destructive seeds can sow.

Oh, how loudly many protest their innocence when actually guilty,
Or somewhat complicit, yet playing the victim like it comes naturally.
And oh, how that kiss and tell has become so obscenely prevalent today,
Rather than moving on with dignity, maturity choosing not to say.

Even when we have been mistreated, it’s oft better to leave it all behind,
’Cause that desire to blab it all oft leads to more trouble, and fouls one’s mind.
Harboured and public grievances dogging our moving on, thus keeping us there,
Where little good comes from such — and where we’re guilty, giving good reason for fear.

Yes, Christ (our judge) knowing every secret thing, and I’m glad that it’s that way,
Many having been wrongly maligned, imprisoned, those guilty having got away.
God well aware of that Harry and Meghan affair, just who’s right and who’s wrong,
Or whether there’s ill on both sides, and whether we’ve kept our thoughts where they belong.

Yes, armchair judges under God’s scrutiny too, having taken on His role,
Rather than just observing, that growing fire not needing their lump of coal.
Yes, sometimes things can be weighed and sound conclusions rightly reached, but woe betide
If we’ve judged unfairly, ignorantly, or having listened to just one side,

Like what Harry and Meghan told Oprah Winfrey, and thus eyes opening wide.

Both judging wrongly and not weighing certain things like we should, can lead to ill,
Someone getting away with blue murder, or the innocent going through hell.
Yes, tabloids and those tell all shows oft fuelling those armchair judges, whose gavel
Often sets the guilty free, or picks up a handful of undeserved gravel.

By Lance Landall


A line was added to this poem on 15 March 2021.
You may also wish to read my Christian poem Of Course We Should Judge!
orange box, second poetry garden, Christian section.





Christian content or degree.

18.  The Leopard And The Grapevine

Please mind those little whisperers that you find in congregations
Who are quick to whisper in your ear their spicy revelations,
'Cause so much that they choose to reveal, damages reputations,
And why God's most displeased by such character assassinations.

If you’ve been unfortunate and have clashed with one or two members,
A fire's soon and oft ignited via the whisperer’s embers.
And that sad incident's oft periodically repeated
By these same little whisperers who certain facts have deleted.

“Leopards cannot change their spots,” these whisperers also seem to say,
Which means that any desired turnaround, they may well delay.
And it seems that each church’s grapevine is seldom ever pruned,
Which gives those horrid little whispers much more time to grow and wound.

And so, could it be a whisperer is whispering in your ear,
And could it be that you’re sharing that very whisper that you hear?
And thereby, it clear that your pruning shears are rusting or unused,
Or could it be that they're brightly sharpened and ready to be used?

How sad it is that there are grapevines still continuing to grow,
Or new ones being nourished by the whispers that some people sow.
I’m very sure that these wild grapevines wouldn’t flourish as they do,
If they were pruned to death — or better still, uprooted as they grew.

So, could there be many leopards who're not allowed to change their spots,
'Cause little whisperers keep on firing off more cruel, unfair shots?
And therefore, such a leopard badly limping within your own church,
Due to a nourished grapevine, whereby, those mean whisperers besmirch?

So, will leopards remain leopards, and grapevines just keep on growing
Due to those little whispers that these whisperers keep on sowing?
Or will members of every congregation just close their ears
To those whispers that the whisperer, via the grapevine, wrongly shares?

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded on 19 November 2022.





Christian content or degree.
This poem was penned on 6 March 2021.

19.  We Will Judge Angels?

Christians sometimes point to God’s Word and say, “It says that we’ll judge angels,” but no,
We won’t be judging anybody — well, certainly not as far as things go.
Why? Because Jesus is bringing His reward or penalty with Him, and thus
That judgment having taken place first, the Father having appointed His Son.

And He’s the only judge, we’re told, which means that we can’t be judges too, and so,
We simply reviewing Heaven’s books, so that the fairness of Christ we might know.
Yes, no one better able to judge, ’cause He knows the heart, and can read the mind,
All why after our perusing, and that Christ clearly got things right, we’ll find.

The truth is, that even with God’s Word, some things aren’t always as they might appear,
And thus we comparing Scripture with Scripture, judging hardly the right word here.
Hence why we shouldn’t take texts in isolation — and this, a classic case here,
Otherwise, how could He then separate the sheep and goats, enter joy or fear.

Some Christians getting a little ahead of themselves, even carried away,
But not by pride, I hope — such judging a solemn thing, at the end of the day.
All why only Christ has the right, we but a fallen race, and thus cannot crow,
Because we won’t be judging, but simply reviewing, and hence why tears will flow.

Yes, ’cause it won’t be nice reading, hardly something to look forward to, ’cause we
Will see the reasons why Christ said, “No,” perhaps to someone in our family.
Yes, sometimes we have our heads in the clouds, when reality we need to face,
And certainly here, ’cause after all of our sins, we’re hardly deserving of grace.

And so,

If any should judge (other than Christ) it should be the citizens of Heaven,
Or those from unfallen planets, and not the only-because-of-grace Christian.
Yes, our track record dismal, and who are we to pass judgment, enter Jesus,
Because worthy is the Lamb, and why it will be Him who judges, and not us.

All why we’re told that tears won’t be wiped away until the Earth made new, when we
Will have put that investigation behind us — Christ vindicated, you see.
And then the New Jerusalem descending, we’re told, Christ dwelling amongst us,
And oh, what joy and peace there’ll be, we getting to live forever with Jesus.

By Lance Landall

But why we should be careful all the same:

Case one:

It was a costly mistake. The trusting parents went for a brief walk leaving their new baby in the care of their watchful pet dog. They returned to find the baby’s crib upside down and empty, its blanket in scattered bloody shreds. The family's pet—a previously tame and loyal pit-bull—innocently wagged its tail in welcome, unaware of the bloody evidence on its mouth and paws. Betrayed and outraged, the husband shot the dog dead. Soon after, in one dark corner of the room, he found their baby—alive, well and without a scratch. In another corner lay a dead wolf, face pointing to the shattered glass window. CAUTION: Never rush to judgment! Do not judge according to appearances!

Case two:

Jim (not his real name) was on a welfare benefit. He, his wife and children struggling to get by.
One weekend a lady from a certain organisation called on them with a much appreciated food parcel.
At the time she called, Jim was sitting on a borrowed and rather attractive modern motorbike with one of his children on the back, and about to drive off.
Jim felt very embarrassed because here he was sitting on that rather flash motorbike when supposedly struggling to make ends meet.
The lady got out of her car (in Jim’s drive) and passed by Jim on her way to the back door of Jim’s rented home.
Jim couldn’t get away fast enough, so he gingerly started making his way past the lady’s car with little room on either side of the bike, and wing mirrors not helping.
Just as he was doing so, the lady came back and wasn’t impressed and said rather crossly (and not very nicely), “You breaka my car and I breaka your face.”
Nervous Jim winced facially and said nothing given his even further embarrassment and inner struggle to express why he was acting so. Thus nothing got said.  So off the lady drove with a sad impression of Jim not realising the truth of the matter, and she in too much of a disgusted state of mind to hang about for an explanation anyway.
Jim would’ve loved the opportunity to explain, but to a less aggressive and more receptive listener who would have made it easier for him to do so.
So there he is, still feeling badly about it, and another food parcel never came their way.

Case three:

A mother was sweeping while her five year old daughter was playing on the lawn which was open to public view.
Suddenly her daughter cried out due to a large insect landing on her arm near the top of her shoulder.
The mother reacted swiftly, rushing to her aid and quickly brushing the insect off with the end of her long-bristled broom.
At the same time, and in her panic over the insect, the child fell over on the grass.
Oh dear.
Yes, someone watching from a distance had captured it all on their cell phone.
Soon it was on their Facebook page which resulted in public outrage over such supposed abuse.
The mother unable to tell what really happened, but judged, convicted and suffering from the fall out.

RELATIVISM

And using borrowed thoughts here:
If moral values are relative, as post modernists believe, then no one has the right to judge the moral standards of someone's culture by their own culture's moral standards.
However, if one culture teaches its people to love and not hurt another soul, and another culture teaches its people that it’s okay to bash and even eat other people, which culture would you say has the best set of values?
Yes, I'm sure that you would laud the first and condemn the latter. And there goes relativity, one having shot themself in the foot.
Likewise, it's interesting how those "You don't have the right to judge anyone" post modernists can get so angry over some man who abducts a teenager, say, and keeps her as a sex slave, when such a person is clearly living by a different code altogether, which, should we condemn it, would see us judging him by our moral standards.
Therefore, to be consistant with the belief that moral values are relative (should we hold to such) we would surely have to refrain from judging and condemning him.
Hence why insisting that morals are purely subjective and personal is really a nonsense, and why absolutes like the Ten Commandments make a whole lot of sense.
And so:
Ask the child whose life has turned out a mess because they scoffed at their parent’s sound advice, if they think the commandment to honour their parents is a good one.
Ask the jailed woman, who in a jealous rage, badly beat the mother of the child competing against her daughter, if she thinks the commandment against coveting is a good one.
Ask any child whose life has been badly affected by his mum or dad having an adulterous affair that caused a divorce, if the commandment to not commit adultery is a good one.
Ask the person being sued for saying untruths about someone, if the commandment not to slander is a good one.
Ask the man who’s on death row for murdering someone, if the commandment not to murder is a good one.
Ask the family man who has been forced to work for weeks without a break, if the commandment to rest on the seventh day of each week (Saturday) is a good one.
Ask the person who’s gone down for three years for committing a robbery, if the commandment not to steal is a good one.
You see, if our moral values come from ourselves, and not from a higher power, then who gets to decide what is right and what is wrong? Who gets to decide what is good and what is evil? After all, what one person calls good, another person may well call evil; and thus each having a different concept of what is right and what is wrong. And going by that, should one condemn Hitler, or Saddam Hussein?